Former federal prosecutor predicts Hunter Biden will face prison time

A former federal prosecutor in an interview Tuesday predicted that Hunter Biden will face prison time following the guilty verdict in the federal gun case against the president’s son.

“I do. Yes,” Thomas Dupree said in an interview with CBS News when asked if he thinks Hunter Biden will go to prison.

Dupree, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Washington, said he does not expect the sentence to be “unduly harsh,” noting that Hunter Biden has not previously been convicted of any crime.

“In fact, he is effectively a first-time offender, Dupree said. “I suspect the judge will view this case with some sympathy.”

The interview comes shortly after the jury announced its verdict, convicting Hunter Biden of two counts of making false statements about illicit drug use when purchasing a gun in 2018 and another count of illegally possessing the firearm for 11 days.

The trial, which lasted just over a week, highlighted Hunter Biden’s cocaine addiction at the time he marked “no” on a federal gun purchase form asking whether he illegally used or was addicted to narcotics or other drugs.

Hunter Biden faces a maximum of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines, although first-time offenders rarely receive the maximum sentence.

According to the United States Sentencing Commission, which sets recommended sentencing guidelines, a defendant like Hunter Biden would typically face between 15 to 21 months in prison.

Ultimately, however, it is up to the judge to determine the sentence.

“I don’t see this as a case where the judge will consider a higher range of the sentencing guidelines,” Dupree said.

“My feeling is that the most likely outcome would be a prison sentence, but for a very limited period, you know? We would be talking about one or two years, not five or six,” she added.

Before Hunter Biden is sentenced, he will likely meet with a federal probation officer who will interview him and create a report with recommendations, while federal prosecutors and Hunter Biden’s lawyers will present memos to the judge with their own recommendations.

President Biden recently said he would not pardon his son if he were convicted of the federal charges. He reiterated that sentiment after the verdict was announced Tuesday, saying he respects the outcome of the case and will “continue to respect the judicial process” as his son considers an appeal.

“As I said last week, I am the president, but I am also a father,” Biden said. “I love our son and we are so proud of the man he is today.”

Hunter Biden’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement after the verdict that they are “naturally disappointed” but “respect the jury process.” They intend to “vigorously pursue” all available legal challenges.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story